Hiring Of Security Guard, The 5 Vital Steps

Step 2. Outline The Equipment Expertise Required

When it comes to the different types of security personnel, the license requirements often come down to the equipment required. 

Here are some key factors to consider when outlining the equipment expertise:

1) Armed or unarmed: 

Determine if the security technicians need to carry weapons or additional security equipment, such as live mace or tasers. This decision might involve obtaining permits and certifications based on laws.

2) Uniform and gear: 

Knowing the security officers' uniforms will help determine the required number of personnel. You will also need to determine whether you provide the gear.

3) Special training and certificates: 

Some states and countries require security personnel to undergo training and obtain certifications to use equipment or handle specific situations. If you are in the USA, this is an excellent security certificate guide. Please note that the requirements change at the location.
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Step 3. Outline The Remuneration Package

Are you looking for casual and full-time positions, and are you willing to pay award rates, or do you have a set base rate? Will there be additional compensation for nights, longer shifts, or travel? 

When it comes to security, the salary is often based on the risk levels involved. To ensure you are competitive in your hiring process, you can find a great guide on security guard wages here, which covers most security guard jobs, such as shopping mall guards, school guards, etc. 

If you are looking for a private security contractor for tasks like celebrity or politician protection, then the salary range can be vast. Here is an excellent guide on private security salaries.

If you are going through a dedicated security professional company, you can also expect to pay an additional fee for the company and all of its overheads. The bonus with going through a security company, however, is that you can instantly reduce and even eliminate recruitment costs.
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Step 4. Write a Detailed Job Description

With the first three steps confirmed, now it's time to write a job description that attracts and leads to the hiring of top security talent.

A written job description is a must to outline the core duties and qualifications required and highlight the work environment and any special events they need to be prepared for and skilled in. For example, if you are after a mall security guard but also have live shows in your mall, you will need a security person who can handle one-on-one monitoring as well as large crowds. 

When outlining the job description, also provide details about the job location, working hours, and any specific prerequisites. Here is a quick guide:

• Outline core duties and qualifications.
• Highlight the work environment and special events or conditions.
• Provide details about job location, working hours, and prerequisites.
• Emphasize the required skills and traits, including communication skills, attention to detail, the capacity to stay composed under pressure, and a strong moral compass.
• Highlight perks and benefits, including pay packages, health benefits, retirement options, and career growth prospects.
• End with encouragement for candidates to apply by providing application instructions and the application deadline.
  

Bonus: If the position is not classified, share it on social media to attract top talent and build your employer brand. Here is a guide to Using Social Media For Recruitment in 2024.
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Step 5. Optimize Your Interview Process

When you're looking to hire a security guard, asking the right questions allows you to assess candidates effectively and find the right fit for the role. 

This is also where modern tools like Vouch one-way video can be invaluable, especially if you are looking to hire remote security personnel or currently employed guards who can't take time off to work around your schedule.

During interviews, it's essential to inquire about critical skills and traits such as patience, self-control, and problem-solving abilities. These attributes are crucial for security guards in handling various situations and ensuring safety.

Including behavioral questions that reflect real-world scenarios faced by security guards can provide insights into how candidates would react. For example, asking about managing a security breach or handling interactions with people can reveal their approach.

Next, you may need to conduct background checks and check references to verify the trustworthiness and reliability of your security guard candidates. We recommend this, even if you are using a security agency, to find the right person.

Of course, it's vital to validate the information provided by the candidate during the background check, including their work history, educational background, and any certifications they claim to hold. Also, checking for a driver's license and a clean driving record is crucial if the security guard will be using a company vehicle for patrols.

This is also a great time to check the candidate's experience in items like security procedures, digital security abilities, and security systems. 
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FAQs

How do you go about hiring security personnel?

While we've outlined the 5 core steps in this article, you will also want to work on onboarding and monitoring. Here's an expanded overview of the process:

1. Identify Your Needs: Determine the specific roles and responsibilities of the security personnel. This includes understanding the nature of your business or property, the level of security required, and any special skills or qualifications needed.
2. Create a Job Description: Based on your needs, create a detailed job description outlining the responsibilities, required qualifications, and any specific skills or traits you're looking for in candidates.
3. Advertise the Job: Post the job opening on relevant job boards, websites, and social media platforms to attract potential candidates. You can also use recruitment agencies or job fairs to reach a broader audience.
4. Screen Resumes: Review resumes and cover letters to shortlist candidates who meet the basic qualifications and requirements outlined in the job description.
5. Conduct Interviews: Schedule interviews with the shortlisted candidates to assess their skills, experience, and fit for the role. Use behavioral questions and scenarios to gauge their problem-solving abilities and how they would handle security-related situations.
6. Perform Background Checks: Once you've identified potential candidates, conduct thorough background checks to verify their identity, employment history, criminal record, and any relevant certifications or licenses.
7. Check References: Contact the candidate's references to gather additional insights into their work ethic, reliability, and suitability for the position.
8. Make an Offer: After completing the interviews, background checks, and reference checks, extend a job offer to the most qualified candidate.
9. Onboarding: Once the candidate accepts the offer, ensure they complete any necessary paperwork and training before starting their role.
10. Monitor Performance: Continuously monitor the performance of your security personnel to ensure they meet your expectations and address any issues that may arise.

By following these steps, you can effectively hire security personnel who are qualified, reliable, and capable of fulfilling their duties to protect your business or property.

What are the benefits of hiring a security guard? 

Hiring a security guard can provide several benefits for businesses and properties:

1. Crime Deterrence: The presence of a security guard can deter criminals from targeting your business or property, reducing the risk of theft, vandalism, and other crimes.
2. Enhanced Safety: A security guard can respond quickly to emergencies such as fires, medical incidents, or security breaches, helping to ensure the safety of employees, customers, and visitors.
3. Customer Service: Security guards can also serve as a point of contact for customers and visitors, providing assistance, directions, and a sense of security.
4. Access Control: Security guards can monitor access points, check identification, and enforce entry policies to prevent unauthorized individuals from entering the premises.
5. Conflict Resolution: Security guards are trained to handle conflicts and disturbances peacefully, reducing the likelihood of violence or disruption.
6. Surveillance: Security guards can monitor surveillance cameras and patrol the premises to identify and respond to suspicious activity.
7. Emergency Response: In the event of an emergency, such as a fire or natural disaster, security guards can assist with evacuation procedures and coordinate with emergency services.
8. Risk Management: Security guards can assess security risks and implement measures to mitigate them, helping to protect your business or property from potential threats.

Overall, hiring a security guard can provide peace of mind, protect your assets, and create a safer environment for everyone involved.

Which security guard roles offer the most pay? 

In the security industry, roles that offer the most pay often require specialized skills, advanced training, or additional responsibilities. Some of the highest-paying security guard roles include:

1. Armed Security Guards: Security guards who are trained and licensed to carry firearms often earn higher salaries due to the increased level of responsibility and risk involved in their role.
2. Security Supervisors/Managers: Positions that involve supervising or managing a team of security guards typically command higher salaries due to the added responsibilities of leadership and decision-making.
3. Corporate Security Officers: Security guards employed by large corporations to protect their facilities, assets, and employees often receive higher salaries compared to those in other sectors due to the complexity and scale of their responsibilities.
4. Transportation Security Officers: Security guards who work in transportation settings such as airports, train stations, or bus terminals may earn higher salaries due to the specialized training and security measures required in these environments.
5. Executive Protection Officers: Security guards who provide personal protection services to high-profile individuals or celebrities often command higher salaries due to the specialized skills and discretion required for these roles.
6. Security Consultants: Experienced security professionals who provide consulting services to businesses or organizations may earn high fees for their expertise in assessing security risks and developing security strategies.

It's important to note that pay rates can vary widely depending on factors such as location, industry, company size, and individual qualifications. Researching the average salaries for security guard roles in your area can help you determine the earning potential for different positions.
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Hiring Of Security Guard, Conclusion

Hiring a security guard is a step in safeguarding your business, people, or property. By following the five steps in this article, you can hire a professional security guard who is ideal for your needs.

When it comes to recruiting security personnel, teaming up with a security guard recruitment agency can streamline the hiring process, too. If you are unsure, be sure to look at security companies in your area before advertising directly. These agencies specialize in identifying and screening security professionals who will suit your needs.

During interviews, it's important to ask questions that gauge candidates' emotional intelligence, patience, and ability to deal with situations calmly. Behavioral questions related to security scenarios help assess how candidates would handle real-life challenges effectively.

Tools like Vouch can also significantly help in your hiring process and can even help you promote your positions on social media to widen your candidate pool.
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Like to try Vouch?

Loved by companies like Canva, Nike, Cisco, Stryker, HubSpot, Amazon, and more, tools like Vouch make leveraging video in your business and streamlining recruitment remarkably easy.

Be sure to book a Vouch demo today and chat with a video content and recruitment expert.